Indian cricket veteran Virat Kohli could be set to cop a suspension after an ugly act in the middle of the MCG on Boxing Day.
The opening session of the fourth Test was taken over by teen sensation Sam Konstas who showed he wasn’t afraid of the big stage.
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The 19-year-old played daring shot after daring shot as he put the Indian bowlers under pressure they haven’t felt all summer long.
As the onslaught continued, the Indian side looked all out of sorts with Kohli, 36, attempting to take matters into his own hands.
At the end of the 10th over Kohli collected the red ball and made a bee line for the youngster before colliding into him with his shoulder.
Watch the ugly incident in the video player above
Konstas clearly unaware of what was heading his way turned after the impact and exchanged words with the Indian star before Usman Khawaja came in to play peacemaker and settle the commotion down.
The intimidation tactics from Kohli didn’t work as Konstas responded by taking 18 runs off the next over with two fours and a six.
Fans watching on were quick to savage Kohli over the ugly act and for going after the teenage sensation.
Fox Cricket’s Michael Vaughan said: “He’s completely acted wrong. I don’t know why a senior pro who’s played for so long – he’s a King – why’s he’s been rattled by a 19-year-old. Sam Konstas did absolutely nothing wrong there. Virat veered towards him. You can’t do that, you’re just not allowed to do that.”
Ricky Ponting said on Channel 7: “We’re seeing a replay again of the physical altercation between Konstas and Virat. Look at the way Virat walks. Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever.
“I have no doubt that the umpires and the referee will have a good look at that. We’ve seen a few angles. It looked to me that Konstas looked up really late. Wouldn’t even know anyone is in front of him. That man on-screen there (Kohli) might have a few questions to answer.”
SEN’s Tom Morris reports that the 36-year-old looks likely to serve a suspension given the ICC’s strict guidelines when it comes to intentional body contact with another opposition player.
The ICC’s Code of Conduct states that “any form of inappropriate physical contact is prohibited in cricket. Without limitation, players will breach this regulation if they deliberately, recklessly and/or negligently walk or run into or shoulder another player or umpire”.
If match referee Andy Pycroft deems the contact to be a level two offence against either player, that player would receive three or four demerit points.
Four points would be enough to trigger a suspension for the New Year’s Test in Sydney. A Level One offence would only result in a slap on the wrist, likely a match fee fine.
Mark Gottlieb wrote on X: “That’s absolutely pathetic from Virat Kohli. What a joke. Walked straight at the kid then acted like Konstas was in the wrong.”
ABC’s Daniel Garb wrote: “Ridiculous from Kohli. Sledge the kid all you want for playing these shots on debut but deliberately bumping him…poor form. So entitled.”
Channel 7’s Theo Doropoulos wrote: “Kohli absolutely deserves a sanction for this. Cannot be tolerated on the cricket field. Konstas in India’s head like you’ve never seen. They are rattled. The best player of a generation acting like he’s the 19-year old kid.”
Despite the ugly tactics being deployed by Kohli, Konstas continued on his merry way as he etched the third fastest fifth on Test debut for Australia.
His first Test half century came after only 52 balls as the Indian bowling attack looked lost at sea in trying to curtail his impact.
Konstas proved early on he wasn’t going to take a backwards step as he attempted to scoop Jasprit Bumrah over the slips cordon with the 11th ball of the day.
He backed it up moments later when he hit a four and two sixes off of Bumrah’s next over by utilising the scoop shot.
